EDGAR SPRINGS, Mo., May 16, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Christian Coaches Network (CCN), an association of professional Christian coaches nationwide, has announced its intent to expand its leadership and transition the association to a non-profit status.

Since 1998, CCN's mission has been to serve the Christian coaching community through the establishment and promotion of professional standards of practice, credentialing, education and best practices.

"Our activities have always been to the benefit of our members. This move ensures that we have the organizational structure and resources in place to expand our reach and maximize our impact," says Executive Director, Marcie Thomas.

Spearheading the transition is Dr. Michael J. Marx. As its new president, Marx will take a leading role in growing CCN into an organization with a global presence.

"I'm extremely pleased that Dr. Marx will be joining the CCN leadership. He brings a passion for Christian coaching, first and foremost. Add to that a wealth of experience in the international marketplace and his years of non-profit work, and we've really got someone special to help us expand our reach," says Thomas.

"I consider it a calling and honor to help increase the fellowship and effectiveness of Christian coaches. I pray that God gives us grace and wisdom as we bring CCN to its next level of success in promoting the standards and practices of coaches everywhere," says Marx.

Joining the organization as Director of Credentialing is Tracy Stevens. Stevens will take a leading role in the organization's credentialing policy development and its recruitment and training of assessors.

"I'm extremely pleased that Tracy will be joining the CCN leadership. She is a talented master coach and accomplished credential assessor. Her knowledge and experience will help shape the strategic direction and leadership of the credentialing process," says Thomas.

"This is a very exciting time in the advancement of the coaching profession. I believe in the value of Christian coaching credentials and the high quality of professionalism they represent. It is an honor to have been called to serve CCN in this manner. Like Dr. Marx's, my prayer is that God provide us the blessing and wisdom to bring CCN to its next level of success," says Stevens.

Dr. Marx is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF). He has an MBA from The University of Louisiana, and an EdD from Regent University. In addition to coaching corporate leaders, pastors, and aspiring coaches, he also teaches college level international business and finance. He and Joy, his wife of 30 years, live in Alaska and enjoy dogsledding and skiing.

Tracy Stevens is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) through the ICF, and Certified Master Christian Coach with CCN. She has authored more than a dozen Coach Training Programs and is the past Chair of Credentialing at the ICF. In addition, Tracy is on the faculty of The University of Miami, and other professional coach training organizations. Her business and coaching experience spans global markets, faith based organizations, and the supervision/mentoring of professional coaches. Tracy and her husband of 42 years, Jeff, live in central Florida where they enjoy water sports, golf and travel.

About the Christian Coaches Network CCN advocates and promotes the highest standards of excellence and ethics in professional coaching practice. Founded in 1998, CCN is the leading credentialing agency in the field of professional Christian coaching. It distinguishes itself by offering three levels of certification. Credentialing is a voluntary submission process in which an unbiased, 3rd-party assessor validates knowledge, skills and abilities. Credentials are earned by coaches who meet the rigor of professionalism, honor the role of faith and apply the highest coaching standards in their client interactions. More information on CCN is available at www.christiancoaches.com.